Machine for closing and sealing the ends of paper boxes.



R. Y. BRADSHAW. MAGHINE FOB GLOSING AND SEALING THE ENDS OF PAPER BOXES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 1, 1906.

Patented 001;. 27, 1908.

1o SHEETS-SHEET i.

'R. Y. BRADSHAW. MACHINE FOR CLOSING AND SEALING THE ENDS OI PAPER BOXES.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 1, 1906.

Patented Oct. 27,

R. Y. BRADSHAW. MACHINE FOR CLOSING AND SEALING, THE ENDS OF PAPER BOXES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 1, 1906.

Patented Oct. 27 1908.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

R. Y. BRADSHAW. MACHINE FOR CLOSING AND SEALING THE ENDS OF PAPER B OXES.

Patented Oct. 27, 1908.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 1, 1906. 902,273.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

R. Y. BRADSHAW. MACHINE FOB. CLOSING AND SEALING THE ENDS OF PAPER BOXES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 1, 1906. 902,273. Patented 0011.27, 1908. v 10 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

age. g @2910 R. Y. BRADSHAW. MACHINE FOR GLOSING AND SEALING THE ENDS OF PAPER BOXES.

APPLIOATION FILED NOV.1, 1906. 902,273. Patented 001;. 27, 1908. 10 SHEETS-SHEET I.

/ 1 i mg R. Y. BRADSHAW. MACHINE FOR CLOSING AND SEALINGTHE ENDS OF PAPER BOXES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 1, 1906. 902,273. Patented O0t. 27,1908. 10 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

R.'Y. BRADSHAW. MACHINE FOR CLOSING AND SEALING THE ENDS OFPAPER BOXES. APPLICATION I'ILED NOV. 1, 1906.

902,273. Patented, 001;. 27, 1908.

10 SHEETS-SHEET a. Z5

, kg tzi R. Y. BRADSHAW. MAGHINE FOR CLOSING AND SEALING THE ENDS OF PAPER BOXES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 1, 1906. Patented Oct. 27

10 SHEETS-SHEET 10.

. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT Y. BRADSHAW, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

MACHTNE FOR CLOSING AND SEALING TIEE ENDS OF PAPER BOXES.

. To all wiwm it may concern."

Be it known that 1, ROBERT Y. BRADSHAW, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois,- have invented certain new'and useful Improvements in Machines for Closing.

and Sealing the Ends of Paper Boxes, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

My invention relates to improvements in machines adapted to close and glue or cement the ends of paper boxes or cartons and has for its object to provide. mechanism adapted to perform the indicated work efi iciently and with a satisfactory degree of. speed.

A further object is to provide improved mechanism that may be readily adjusted and adapted to receive interchangeable parts for operating on various sizes of boxes or cartons and for performing the operations of closing and sealing both bottoms and tops of cartons on the same machine.

To the attainment of these ends and the accomplishment of other new and useful ob jects, as will appear, the invention consists in the features of novelty in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, hereinafter more fully described and claimed and shown in the accompanying drawings, illustrating an exemplification of this invention, and in which Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of the machine and Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional View on line 33, Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a small section of endless carrying belt employed for conveying the boxes or cartons in order to present them to the various mechanisms for siiccessive operations.

This view illustrates one of the carton holders or retainers employed when it is .desired to fold and seal the first end or bottom of the box before the insertion of the filling material and subsequent folding and closing of the top of the same. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the holder attached to the endless carrier of the type employed in folding and sealing the to members of the box subsequent to the fo ding and sealing of the bottom members and usually after the filling material has been inserted. Fi 6 is a vertical sectional view on line 66, Fig. 5'. This View shows the box or carton inserted in holder and the relativepositions of the top folding members of the carton before being operated on by the mechanism. Fig. 7 is a broken sectional Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed November 1, 1906.

Patented Oct. 27, 1908.

Serial No. 341,613,

view of the endless carrier construction taken on line 77, Fig. 4. Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Band 14 are erspective views of the boxes or cartons illustratin the various actions of the mechanism info ding the front and back flaps, gumming the two sides of one of the side flaps and the subsequent o eration of closing and sealing both side iaps. Fig. 15 is an enlarged detail plan view of the mechanism adjacent to the receiving and de livery end of the machine and illustrates particularly the mechanism adapted to enter the path of the moving carton and fold the first end flap. Stationary mechanism interosed in the path of the carton for folding the orward end flap is also shown in this view. Fig. 16 is a vertical sectional view on line 16-16, Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a detail sectional view on line 17-17, Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is an enlarged detail view in elevation partly in section illustrating the mechanism shown also in Fig. 15 adapted to lie in the path of the care ton and fol the forward end flap. This view also illustrates in detaif the construction of the apparatus adapted to apply the glue or sealing material to both sides of one of the side flaps. Parts of the gluing apparatus are broken away to show the construction. Fig. 19-is a broken detail view of a part of the gluing apparatus. Fi 20 is an enlarged detail view in elevation of that portion of the mechanism which acts on the carmaterial to act. Fig. 25 is a detail sectional view on line 2525, Fig. 24. Fig. 26 is a sectional View taken laterally across the path of the conveyer and showing substantially the mechanisnrillustrated in Fig. 24, in elevation. This view also illustrates the movement of the spring controlled presser member in folding and holding the final side flap onto the previously gummed side flap of the carton. Fig. 27 is a diagrammatic plan view of that portion of the mechanism shown in Figs. 24 and 26 which is interposed in the path of the conveyor and trips the spring controlled presser member by throwing the 5 from the machine.', Fig. 29 is a view on line 2929, Fig. 28. Fig. 30 is a view on line 3030, Fi 29. p

The mec anism is carried by main frame 1 which maybe provided with suitable supports or legs 2. The frame is adapted to carry endless belt 3 mounted on driving s rockets or pulleys 4 and driven sprocket 5 a l of which are journaled to rotate on main frame 1. Power for operating machine is supplied by belt receiving pulley or wheel 6 mounted on shaft 7 which carries the driving s rockets 4. Endless belt 3 may be of any esirable construction but the form shown in Fig. 4 is preferred, which consists of a common form of s rocket chains the two plies or strands of which are united by members or frames 8 at frequent intervals. In order that the joinings of the chains with members 8 may be flexible, suitable pins or screws 3 may be assed through the chains and screw threade into, or ot erwise attached to 8. Members 8 are adapted to carry the holders for boxes or cartons and are also adapted to carry spring controlled mechanism for the folding of final flap and for discharging the completed carton. Member 9,'Fig. 4 is a form of holder that is adapted to hold the carton during the first operation of folding and sealing. The carton as it a ears ready for insertion on the holder 9, is 11 ustrated in Fig. 8. The holder 9 is provided with supportin branches 9 and 9 at its base by which it is adapted to be attached to member 8. Slots 10 are provided in order that these holdin members may be mounted on endless be t for adjustment and suitable means are provided by which they may be readily attached and detached to the carrier belt for the/Purpose to be hereinafter described.

em er 12 (see Fig. 5) illustrates a form of holder for attachment on endless carrier belt adapted to receive box or carton for the final folding operation which consists in folding and sealing the top end thereof, generally, after the carton has received its filling. Like holder 9 the member 12 is provided with branch members .12 and 12 at its base for attachment to endless carrier belt. It is preferred that the base members 12 and 12 are constructed like the base members 9 'and 9 of holder 9, thus adaptin both holders to 4 be perfectly interchangeab e. The utility of this construction is evident when it is understood that carrier belt may be provided entirely with holders 9 in order to fold the first end of empty cartons. Holders 9 may then be removed and the filled carton holders 12.

inserted which will permit the machine being run indefinitely for sealing or closing the last 66 end of the carton, or, if desirable this carrier throughout.

belt may be extended a considerable distance so that a large number of holders may be carried and the holders may be distributed on carrier belt in any desired arrangement. The carton or box as it appears in Fig. 8 when inserted on member 9 rotrudes above the top thereof only the distance that the carton may be slitted for the purpose of forming the flaps at one end. When the flaps at one end of the carton are folded, it is shortened and in order to'allow for this difference in length holder 12 is provided with abutting members 13 on the inner side adapted to sup ort the carton in the manner illustrated in ig. 6, in which the carton is indicated by the numeral 14.

15 is a slot in the opposite sides of holder 12 adapted to permit movement of discharge finger 16 therein for the purpose of discharging completely sealed cartons from the holder. Discharge finger 16 is also used on conveyer when holders 9 are in position.

The form of holder 9 ermits the necessary movement of 16 enab ing the carton to be discharged therefrom in the condition illustrated by Fig. 13.

In order that the operation of the mechanism may be more thoroughly understood the operations erformed on a carton, as illustrated in 1g. 8 and subsequent figures resulting inthe carton'closed at one end, Fig. 13, will now be described: In the various illustrations of the mechanism holders of the type indicated by 9, Fig. 4, have been used The position of the holder to receive the carton to be folded is illustrated by the upper case letter A appearing on holder 9,F1gs. 1, 2 and 15. 14 indicates the body of the carton. 17, 18, 19 and 20 indicate the flaps to be folded. The carton after insertion on frame 9 moves in the direction taken by the arrows, Figs. 2 and 8, and for convenience in the description, 17 and 19 will be hereinafter referred to as rear and front flaps, respectively, and 18 and 20 as side to its adjacent parts is shown more nearly.

correct in Figs. 1 and 15 than in Fi 2. In order that rear end fla 17 may be olded in the manner indicated in Fig. 9, vertical suport 21 is rotatably mounted on frame members 1 in any convenient manner as for example, elongated U sha ed member 22 provided with bearings 23 an 24. Member 21 is held in position by collars 25 and 26 on up er and. lower sides of bearing 23; adjusta le set screw 27 in 26 serves as a means of adjustment and also acts as a stop to limit the rotation of 21 by contacting with stud 28 mounted on bearing 23. 21 is provided with fixed arm 29 and also with fixed folding finger 30. Member 30 is provided with hooked end 30 which part is adapted to contact with flap 17 which it does by overtaking the carton due to the accelerated movemen-t'imparted to it by rotation of shaft 21 through the contact of fixed arm 29 with the upwardly extending lug 31 formed on endless belt or carrier adj acent to member 9. It will be noted that this lug is also provided'with a recessed portion 31 for a purpose hereinafter described. It will be noted that, the. position of lug 31 is such that it contacts with arm 29 and starts the rotation of shaft 21 before the carton has reached a point opposite 2].. The arm 30 being longer than lever 29 causes the folding finger 30 to travel faster than the carrier and consequently to overtake the carton and fold the fia 17 to the position indicated in Fig. 9. F0 ding finger 30 may be adjustably mounted on 2]., a convenient form being member 32 to which it is attached and which is journaled on 21 and adjustable in relation thereto by means of set screw 33. Folding finger 30 is held normally out of the path of carrier belt by spring 34 which is interposed between bracket 22 and member 21 by means of collar 25. Contact of lug 31 with fixed arm 39 rotates shaft 21 and torsional spring 34 which returns 21 to normal posit1on when lug 31 has passed out of contact with 29.

Immediately after folding finger 30 has reached the approximate position indicated by dotted lines, Fig. 15, but before it has re turned to normal position the front end fla 19 is brought in contact with stationary fol ing member 36. It will be noted that member 36 is provided with branch 36 so shaped that it does not contact with side flap 18 but presents a beveled or cam surface 36 to flap 20. As the carton moves forward member 36 folds flap 19 in manner indicated in Fig. 10 and at the same time exerting pressure outwardly by reason of its beveled surface folds flap 20 outwardly approximately at right angles to the side of the carton as indicated in Fig. 10 thus preparing flap 20 to enter gumming or gluing apparatus. It will be noted that before member 36 has entirely closed flap 19 the action of lug 31 on the carrier has released arm 29 and permitted folding finger 30 to return to normal position.

The gumming or gluing apparatus is supported by suitable bracket 37 mounted on frame members 1 which bracket also carries stationary folding member 36 and its branches. The apparatus employed for distributing glue or gum consists of upper and lower feeding members 38 and 39; the lower member 39 is fixed in support 37 and is surrounded by the overflow trough or cavity 40 provided with outlet 41 for conducting away such of the liquid glue or gum as may not be needed.

42 is a tank or receptacle preferably mounted somewhat above the level of the gum distributing apparatus. Suitable conduits 43 and 44 convey the gumming mateand lifting t em out of their sockets.

rial to distributing apparatus; Lower feeding member 39 is provided with inlet channel 45 and an inner receptacle or chamber 46 adapted to retain a quantity of gumming material. The upper distributing member 38 is shaped similarly to member 39 having an interior receptacle orchamber 47. Member 38, however, receives the gumming material through its inlet tube 44 at its side, (see Fig. 3). The stem 38 is mounted in frame member 37 to. have a vertical movement and may befitted with threaded adjusting screw 48 for adjusting it in relation to frame 37 and in relation to lower feeding member 39. Folding member 36 presses flap 20 outwardly as indicated in Fi 10 and this flap is moved forwardly along t e under edge of branch 36 until it enters the slot 49 between gumming feed members 38 and 39. It will be noted that these members (see Fig. 3), are approximately the width of the holder 9 and consequently the width of flap 20. The 1i uid gumming substance finds its way from t e inner receptacles 46 and 47 through elongated slots 50 and 51 into the interval or space between 38 and 39. As flap 20 passes through this space it contacts with both 38 and 39 thoroughly covering both sides or surfaces of it with gumming material as indicated by 20 and 20 Figs. (10, 11 and 12. Feeding members 38 and 39 are provided with elastic scraper members 52 and 53. These members are also approximately of the width of the flap and as it passes therebetween any superfluous de osit of the urn substance is removed from t e fla and ds its way .into receptacle 53 and t ence into the overflow re ceptacle 40 and through discharge outlet 41 and its communicating tube 41. In this construction of the umming apparatus feed members 38 an 39 are mounted in holding frame 37 in such a manner that they are readily removed by simply disconnectin conduits or tube(" 43 and 44 This construction is very convenient on account of the necessity for frequently removing the parts and thoroughly washing and soaking them, which may be done at all times when the machine is not in use.

After flap 20 is carried past the gumming mechanism and is disengaged from the scraper members 52 and 53 it is free to assume its original position which it does by reason of the elasticity of the material, as indicated in Fig. 11, in which it is shown almost in the same plane as the side of the box or carton 14 and to which it is integrally attached.

rod 36 is continued in the path of the moving carton thus serving to hold members 17 and"19 continuously in folded position as indicated in Figs. 10 and 11. After the carton is freed from the gumming apparatus 1n its onward movement, an interval of time is al It will be noted that the stationary lowed for flap 20 to assume its said original position after which the carton reaches its position' to be operated upon by folding finger 54 which is designed to fold flap 2O inwardly and upon front and rear fiaps 17 and 1.9. It will be noted that by gumming both sides of fiap 20 flaps 18 and 17 will be secured in position when flap 20 is pressed inwardly and downwardly and its surface 20 unites with .fiap 19, its upward gummed surface 2O servmounted in sliding collar 58 and provided with adjusting thumb nut or screw 59. Slide supporting rod 57 is attached in any convenient manner to frame 1.- Sliding member 56 is held normally in o erative position as illustrated in Fig. 20 y means of tension spring 60 connected thereto at one end and the other end to the main frame or suitable bracket mounted thereon, as 61. Finger 54 and its supporting mechanism is carried forward with each carton while it is acting thereupon to fold inwardly fiap 20. This movement is accomplished by means of pawl 62 loosely mounted in member 56, and adapted to be held in its normal position by gravity and capable of being rotated in a plane perpendicular to the line of forward movement of member 56 as it slides on 57. Paul 62 is engaged by hi 31on the carrier which causes member 56 toae carried forward in the direction of movement of the carrier on support 57 Finger support 55 is provided at its base with an arm 63 adapted to contact with the upper surface 64 of cam 64. As the parts move forward finger 54 is moved into the path of the carton by the mechanism just described and folds flap 2 0 inwardly in the manner indicated in Figs. 12, 21 and 26. It will be noted that just prior to the final folding of flap 20 on the top of flap 19 stationary holding rod 36* is discontinued. A's folding finger 54 is carried forwardly it is ultimately permitted to return to normal position in'the following manner: hen arm 63 passes be yond the rear end of cam track 64 it contacts with the under surface of 65 and is forced downwardly and below the plane of cam 64. After'arm 63 haspassed beyond cam 64 pawl 62 is disengaged from lug 31 by reason of inclined surface 66 with which it is brought into contact. Being thus freed mechanism carried by member 56 is returned by spring 60 to normal position. Arm 63 is carried rearwardly past cam 64 by passing on the under side of it. 64 is also pivotally mounted at 67 on supporting member 68 which is carried by the main frame. It is held within the limits of its downward movement by lug or pin 69 operating in slide 70 and is held in its normal position by means of spring 71. This construction permits an upward movement of track 64 to permit lever 63 to pass beyond it in returning to normal. In order to protect the parts from undue strain in returning to normal, elastic means, as buffer spring 72, may be provided.

It should be noted that theaction of folding finger on fiap 20 is not sufiicient to cause it 'to remain in folded position and consequently before it is returned to normal, as just described, final folding and com ressing member 73 is operated into the pat of the carton to fold flap 18 inwardly and over the top surface of flap 20 The first movement of folding member 73 is illustrated by dotted lines in Fig.-- 26. This movement has the effect of folding flap 18 forwardly at an angle sufficient to retain flap 20 in position immediately after which finger 54 is returned to normal. Folding and compressing member 73 is pivotally mounted on member 74 which is slidingly mounted on supporting standard 75 carried by frame 8. Member 74 as mounted on 75 is limited in its vertical movement on standard 75 by means of adjustable supporting clamp 76 rigidly attached to 75. Downwardly extending arm 76 is provided with slot 7 6 which takes 74 on member 74 and permits the limited vertical movement just referred to, thus preventing arotary movement on support 75 of part 74 and folding member 73. Supporting member 74 is rovided with a depending arm 7 4*. Foldmg and compressing member 73 is held in its normal vertical position away from the top of the carton support and .is also held firmly in position on top'of the folding flap of the carton by means of spring 77 connected to lug or arm 73 and to the lower end of depending arm 74 at 74.

78 designates the point of pivotal connection of folding and compressing member 73 to its su porting member 74. By reference to the i1 ustrations it will be seen that when member 73 is in its normal vertical position out of the path of carrier belt spring 77 operates to lock 73 in such vertical position by reason of the pivotal point 78 having passed beyond the line of connecting points of attaohment of the spring 7 3 and 7 4". On the other hand when 73 is depressed and brought into position on top of the carton the line con necting the points of attachment with the spring passes on the other side of the pivotal point and holds the member firmly in position.

It will be noted that sliding member 74 nor 26, in which pin 74 shown in the lower limits of slot 76 This construction leaves flap 73 free to contact withthe top of the carton and when the movement of the member carries the line connecting the points of attachment of the spring out of its normal position andbeyond pivotal point 78 the pulling action of the spring exerted between member 73 and depending member 74" acting on the top of the carton as a fulcrum will raise the entire mechanism and slide member 74 on upright support 75 untilthe pressing surface of 73 conforms to the top of the carton.

a 81 and as it moves forwardly in the direction of travel of the endless carrier the outer end of the lever is brought in contact with 73. The forward movement of the mechanism pushes 73 toward the top of the carton until the action of spring 78 having passed beyond center acts to depress 73. l y

82 is the pivotal connection of lever 81. 81 is a branch which contacts with support 79 to revent further rotation on pivot 82 when ever 81 assumes its normal position. 81 is held normally in position illustrated in Fig. 27 by the torsional spring 83 acting between it and support 79. Member 73 is provided with a depending arm 73 and may have an antifriction roller 73 mounted there on. The action just described of lever 81 o erates to bring roller 73 in contact with t e cam surface of track 80. The action of spring. 78 depresses 73 until roller 73 is i brought into firm contact with the surface of 80, which surface is inclined upwardly thus gradually permitting the flap 73 to be brought into firm holding position on the top of the carton.

When the mechanism has carried roller 73 beyond the limits of cam track 80 the folding and compressing of the flaps is complete but it yet remains for member 73 to continue in contaet with the folding flaps for a sufficient time to insure that the gumming substance has acted to hold them permanently. This is accomplished by permitting member 73 to continue in its folded position ivhile the eartoncarrying mechanism is carried over driving pulleys 4 and around the under side of the machine until the carton has almost reached the opposite end when roller 73 is brought in contact with cam track 83. The upward inclination of this track acting on roller 73 releases holding member 73 from the to the carton and causes it to assume its no mal position (see Figs. 28 and 29). The ca on is now ready to be discharged from the mechanism which is accomplis1ed by movement of discharge finger 16. This finger is carried by member 84 mounted to slide on support 75. 84 is provided with a laterally extending arm 84. Finger 16 thus carriedis adapted to remain in contact with frame 8 while carried on the upper ply of the endless conveyer. Sup orting member 84 is preferably made of solid metal and given sufficient weight to cause it to exert some pressure through finger 16 in crowding the carton off holder 9 at the proper time. When the carton carrying mechanism passes over driving sprocket 4, arm 84 contacts with track 85 on the lower side of the main frame. By referring to drawing Fig. 1 it will be noted that track 85 is contmued until the mechanism has moved past cam track 83 where folding and compressing member'7 3 is removed from the top of the carton. When the rear end 85 0f this track is reached, finger 16 being strengthened during the moment antifriction wheels 73 contact with cam tracks 80 and 83 longitudinally extending supporting members 86 and 87 may be provided behind which the outer extremities 75 of these members may pass during the time that'the cam tracks are exerting ressure on roller 73 auxiliary stan ard 88 which is mounted on member 8 adjacent to support 75 serves also to support. 75 since members 74 and 84 are journa ed to slide on it and are thereby held against torsional strains.

In order that the invention might be fully understood, the details of an embodiment ilghereof have been thus specifically described,

What I claim is a 1. In a device of the character described, the combination of eonveyer mechanism adapted to move in a predetermined path, means carried by said conveyer mechanism for holding a box or carton havin side and 'end flaps adapted to be folded and sealed, a

folding finger mounted on said main-frame and adapted tobe mored into the path of said conreyer by the forward advance of the conveyer, said finger operating to enter the path of movement of, a carton from the rear and to'overtake and fold the rear end flap forwardly and inwardly, a member carried by said main frame in the path of said conveyer adapted to contact with the forward end flap of a carton, means in the path of said The i conveyer adapted to apply an adhesive to one of said side flaps and means on said conveyer adapted to fold said side flaps inwardly and to retain them in folded position during a predetermined part of the movement of said conveyer.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination of a main frame, a conveyer mechanism, means on the conveyer mechanism adapted to support a box or carton during a predetermined period of travel of the conveyer, means for fo ding and gummin the ends of the boxes or cartons carried on t e conveyer, a member carried on said conveyer adjacent the carton support, a discharge finger on said member, and a track or Way on the main frame adapted to control the movements of the member and the discharge finger carried thereby.

3. In a device of the character described, the combination of conveyer mechanism ada ted to travel along a predetermined pat box or carton holding means carried thereby, said means adapted to receive a box or carton provided with side flaps and end flaps to be folded for the purpose of forming a top and bottom therefor, means for actu ating said conveyer mechanism, means in the path thereof adapted to fold the front and rear end flaps of a box or carton carried thereby, means adjacent to the path of movement of said conveyer mechanism adapted to a ply an adhesive to the two sides of one'of t e side flaps of said box or carton, means interposed 1n the path of forward movement of said conveyer mechanism adapted to be actuated thereby for folding inwardly said gummed side flap, and means carried by said or cartons conveyer mechanism adjacent to said box or carton holding means adapted to fold the remaining side flap of said box or carton, said last mentioned means ada ted also to remain in contact with the fo ded flaps of said carton during a predetermined portion of the forward travel of said conveyer mechanism. 1

4. In a device of the character described, the combination of conveyer mechanism ada ted to move along a predetermined pat embodying means for carrying boxes provided with side and end flaps adapted to be folded and sealed for forming tops or bottoms therefor, means for actuating said conveyer mechanism, and means interposed in the path of said conveyor mech anism adapted to apply an adhesive to one of the flaps of a box or carton, said means embodying a pair of feed members, means for conducting a flap of said box or carton therebetween, and e astic means adapted to contact with thesides of said flap after passing between said feed members for the purpose of removing superfluous adhesive therefrom.

. 5. In a device of the character described,

the combination of conveyer mechanism adapted to move alonga predetermined path, means mounted thereon adapted to carry a box or carton having flaps adaptedto be folded and sealed for the purpose of forming a top or bottom therefor, mechanism interposed in the path of said conveyer adapted to apply an adhesive to a flap on a carton or box, said mechanism embodying a pair of adhesive feed members resting normally in contactwith each other and adapted to be separated by the passing of a box or carton flap therebetween and means adjacent to said feed members adapted to contact with the sides of flaps after passing therefrom for the purpose of removing superfluous deposits of adhesive. p

6. In a device of the character described, the combination of a main frame, a carton carrying mechanism mounted thereon adapted to travel in a predetermined path, means interposed in the path of said carton carrying mechanism adapted to apply adhesive to the flaps of cartons carried thereby, said means embodying a receptacle adapted to contain adhesive, a pair of feed members movably mounted with relation to each other and adapted to be separated by the insertion of a carton flap therebetween, supply tubes or ducts leading from said reservoir to saidfeed members, and means for actuating said carton carrying mechanism.

7. In a device of the character described, the combination with a box or carton carrying mechanism, of means interposed in the path thereof for folding the flaps of boxes or cartons carried thereby, and means adapted to apply a coating of adhesive to the flaps of said boxes or cartons, said means embodying a pair of feed members, one of said feedmembers being rigidl mounted and having an outlet orifice or s it on its upper surface, said outlet or slit being disposed at an angle to the line of movement of said conveyer and adapted to apply a coating of adhesive to the under surface of a flap passed over the top thereof, the other said feed member being disposed above the said last mentioned member and movably mounted with respect thereto, and a feed slit or orifice in the lower surface of said upper feed member extending at an angle to the line of forward movement of said carton carrying mechanism adapted to apply a coating of adhesive to the upper surface of a carton flap passed thereunder.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination with a box or carton conveyer adapted to move along a predetermined path, means interposed in the path of said conveyer, adapted to fold the flaps of boxes or cartons carried thereby, means adapted to apply an adhesive to theflaps of boxes or cartons carried on said conveyer, said means embodying an upper feed member and a lower feed member, means-for conducting the flap of a box or' carton therebe tween, means adapted to support said upper feed member' in movable relation to said lower feed member, and means for adjinstably limiting the downward movement of said u per feed member in relation to said a lower feed member.

- boxes or cartons carried thereby,.,and-means adapted to apply an adhesive to both sidesof a flap of boxes or cartons carried by said 10. In a device of the character described,

the combination of a main frame, a carrier mounted thereon and adapted to move along a predetermined path, box or carton carrying means mounted on said'carrier, means interposed the path of said carrier adapted to fold the front and rear end flaps of boxes or cartons carried thereby, means in-- terposed in the path of'said carrier adia ted to apply a coating-of adhesive to one o the side fiaps of boxes or cartons-presented thereto by said carrier, a folding fin or adjacent m to the path of said carrier, said ngerad-apn ed to be actuated at predetermined intervals and to be carried forward'with the carrier and thereby fold the said gummed side flaps inwardly and upon said folded front and rear end flaps, and means whereby said folding finger is returned to normal when it has been carried to a predetermined position by the forward movement of the carrier.

11'. In a device of the character described, the combination of a box or carton carrying meansadapted to move along a predeterpath, means interposed: in the path of said carton carrying means adapted to apply a coating of" adhesive to one of the side flaps of a box or carton, a foldin I finger mounted adjacent to the path of saicarrying means, said finger being slidably mounted to move in a direction approximately parallel to the path of movement of said carrying means, means" on said carrying means adapted to contact with said finger and to cause the same to move along the path of said carrying means during a predetermined portion of the forward advance thereof, means adjacent to said folding finger adapted to contact there with during the forward advance thereof and j to cause the said finger to move inwardly,

means adapted to disengage said folding finger from saidcarrying means, and means adapted to return said folding finger to normal.

12. Ina device of the character described, the combination with a conveyor, rneclram ism, box or cartoncarrying means carried thereby, a folding member slidably mounted along the path of said conveyor mechanism and ads: tedto be. carriedthereby' at predeterminec intervals during the forward advanaceof said conveyor mechanism, means on said conveyer mechanism adapted to con tact with said folding member, means interposed in the path of forward movement of said folding member adapted to fold thesame inwardly toward said conveyer'mechanism, means adapted to disengage said folding member from said conveyer mechanism at a predetermined point in'the forward L advance of said folding member, means adapted to rock saidfolding member out of the path of said conveyer mechanism, and

means for returning said folding member to normal.

13.. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a main frame, a carrier, a support for boxes or cartons on the carrier, a standard 011 the carrier adjacent the carton or box support, a member mounted to slide longitudinally of the standard, a flap folding meraber pivotally mounted on said last mentioned member, and an elastic member interposed between said slidabl mounted member and the pivoted flap fo ding memher.

rier, anupright supporting member mounted on said carrier ad'acent to said carton support, an elastically con-trolled folding and sealing member carried thereby, means carried by said main frame adjacent to the path of movement of said upright supportmg member adapted to actuate said to and sealing member, and means carried by said main frame adapted to su port the outer end of said uprig it support uring the time that said actuating means is in contact with the mechanism carried by said support.

15. In a device of the character described, the combination of a conveyor mechanism, means carried thereby adapted to receive a pa er box or carton having side flaps and en flaps adapted to be folded, means normally held at one side of the path of said conveyer and adapted to enter the path of the conveyor and to follow the carton with an accelerated movement for the purpose of folding the rear end flap, stationary foldmg means, interposed in the path of said conveyer adapted to contact with forward end 14-. In a device of the character described,

ding i flap of the carton and to fold the same on the angle to the adjacent side of said carton, means interposed in the path of said outwardly folded flap adapted to apply an adhesive to both sides of said adapted to fold said last mentioned flap inwardly and into contact with the surface of said folded front flap, means carried by said conveying means adapted to fold the remaining side flap inwardly and into firm contact with said other folded side flap, said last mentioned means being adapted to retain its position in contact with said carton until the action of said adhesive has become effective, holding said flaps in folded position, and means adapted to discharge said carton from said conveyor mechanism.

16. In a device of the character described, the combination of a main frame, a conveyer mechanism mounted thereon, means for actuating said conveyer mechanism, means carried by said conveyer mechanism adapted to receive a paper box or carton and to hold same during the operation of folding and sealing the flaps thereof, means carried by said main frame and interposed in the ath of said conveyor mechanism ada ted to fold the front and rear end flaps of tiie said 4 carton or box inwardly and at an angle to sides of said carton or box, means interposed in the path of said convcyer mechanism adapted to fold one of the side flaps of said box or carton outwardly, means for applying an adhesive to both sides of said outwardly folded side flap, means interposed within the path of said conveyor mechanism adapted to fold said side flap mwardl y and in contact with said folded front and rear end flaps, and means carried by said conveyor mechanism ada'tcd vto fold the remaining side {lap inward y and upon the top of said folded side flap, said last mentioned means ada ted to remain in contactwith said folded 1 aps until said flaps are securely sealed.

17. In a device of the character described,

the combination of conveyor mechanism adapted to move along a predetermined path, embodying means for carrying boxes or cartons havmg side and end flaps adapted to be folded and sealed for the purpose of forming tops or bottoms therefor, means interposed in the path of said conveyer mechanism. adapted to apply an adhesive to one of the flaps of a box or carton, and means adapted to remove superfluous adhesive from the said flap.

18. In a device of the character described, the combination of a carrier for boxes or cartons, means interposed in the path of said carrier adapted to apply an adhesive to one of the flaps of a box or carton carried thereby, and means adapted to contact with the sides of said flap for the urpose of removing su erfiuous adhesive t erefrom.

19. n a machine for folding and sealing the ends of boxes, the combination of a main frame, a carrier supported thereby and adapted to have movement along a predetermined path, a box support on the carrier a standard on the carrier adjacent to the box support carrying a pivoted flap folding member, means on the main frame adapted to actuate the pivoted flap folding member, and means on the main frame adapted to engage the said standard whereby it is supported during the time said actuating means on the main frame is in contact with the said flap folding member.

20. In a device of the character described, the combination of a main frame, a carrier adapted to have movement along a predetermined path, means mounted on said carrier adapted to support boxes or cartons, an upright member mounted on said carrier adjacent to said carton support, a pivoted flap folding member carried by said u right member, means on the main frame a apted to actuate said lap folding member, and means carried by said main frame adapted to support the outer end of the upright member. 21. In a device of the character described, the combination of a main frame, a carrier -mounted thereon, carton carrying and folding mechanism mounted on said carrier embodying a carton su port, an upright member adjacent to saitf carton support, a discharge finger slidably mounted upon said upright support, and a pivoted fla folding member movably mounted on sai u right sup ort and adapted to contact with t e top of t 1e carton support. y

22. In a device of the character described, the combination of a main frame, a carrier mounted thereon, carton carrying and foldingv mechanism mounted on said carrier embodying a carton su port, an upright member adjacent to sai carton sup ort, a discharge member slidably mounte upon said upright support, a pivoted flap folding member movably mounted on said upright support and adapted to contact with the top of the carton support, and elastic means adapted to control said pivoted fiap fol(lingme1n- Y rear end fiaps of the carton or box inwardly,

means interposed in the path of said conveyor mechanism adapted to fold one of the side flaps of a box or carton outwardly, and means for applying an adhesive to both sides of said outwardly folded side flap.

24. In a device of the character described, the combination of a main frame, a conveyor mechanism mounted thereon, means carried a v 902,273 g rear end flaps of the carton or box inwardly,-

means interposed in the path of said conveyer mechanism adapted to fold one of the side flaps of a box or carton outwardly,

means for applying an adhesive to both sides of said outwardl folded side fla and a folding finger a apted to fold t e above mentioned side flap inwardly.

, 25. In a device of the character described, the combination of a main frame, a conveyer mechanism mounted thereon, meanscarried by said conveyer mechanism adapted to receive a boxer carton and adapted to hold the same during the operation of folding and sealing the flaps thereof, means carried by the main frame adapted tofold the front and rear end flaps of the carton or box inwardly,

means interposed in-the path of said convelyer mechanism adapted to fold one of the si e flaps of a box or carton outwardly, means for applyin an adhesive to both sides of said outwar ly folded side fia and means adapted to fold the said side ap inwardly embodying a member slidably mounted on the said main frame ada ted to move in a path approximately para el to the path of movement of the conveyer mechanism and being provided with means by which themember is engaged by the conveyer mechan ism.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, on this 22nd day of October A. D. 1906.

ROBERT BRADSHAW.

Witnesses: w

- A. L. SPRINKLE,

s. H.'SEEM. 

